Antec Custom Build: Part 2

The motherboard, an essential component of the computer, was the next logical purchase as it is required for the interconnection of the graphics card, central processing unit (CPU), power supply, fans, HDDs, SSDs, etc. To line up with the ATX Mid Tower case and the potential inclusion of the Intel i7-3770k processor (see Antec Custom Build: Part 3), I selected an ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX Intel Motherboard. The ASRock motherboard boasts an LGA 1155 CPU socket, support for 2nd/3rd generation Intel Core processors – I chose a 3rd generation i7-3770k – and support for Intel turbo boost 2.0 tech. Additionally, the motherboard has provisions for 4 sticks of 240 pin DDR3 2800+(OC)/2400(OC) (in dual channel) RAM and is ultimately capable of supporting a maximum of 32 GB of RAM. To mount the graphics card(s), the motherboard has 2x PCI Express 3.0 slots in addition to 2x PCI Express 2.0 slots, and 2x PCI slots. Similarly, for the inclusion of SSDs, HDDs, and CD-ROM/DVD-ROM drives, there are 4x SATA3 ports and 4x SATA2 ports with RAID support available.

ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX Motherboard Box (Exterior)

ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX Motherboard Box (Interior)

ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX Motherboard

Meanwhile, there are 6 rear (4x USB 3.0 and 2x USB 2.0) USB ports and 2 onboard USB 3.0 headers, 1x PS/2 keyboard/mouse port (for non-USB keyboards/mice), 1x VGA port, 1x DVI port, and 1x HDMI port for monitors, 1x RJ-45 Gigabit LAN port, 1x optical SPDIF out port for optical cables instead of analog audio cables, and 5x analog audio ports. The power supply for the computer will be connected to the motherboard through a primary 1x 24-PIN ATX main power connector and a 1x 8-Pin 12V power connector. As the build currently stands, the motherboard is now supporting: